March 2005
A couple of weeks ago, we got word of a young woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28. Twenty-eight!? I know the statistics are there about young women getting breast cancer. I know there are organizations and conferences dedicated solely to youngwomen and breast cancer. But I also know that this seems like a crime. Maybe it’s because I’m closer in age to those diagnosed at 28 than to those diagnosed at 68. It doesn’t make the disease any less criminal though, no matter the age.
Sometimes I sit in my office and dare to ask the question, “What if I got breast cancer? How would I do my job differently? What would I want to focus on?” I just read a beautiful article in the January/February issue of MAMM magazine from the standpoint of five women facing their own mortality. The common thread they all feel is that all we are promised is the moment. Tomorrow is not promised to us…only today. Not even the next moment is promised to us…only right now.
Breast cancer survivors are a gift to the rest of us who need to be reminded of this concept.
I say thank you to all the survivors who have told me that breast cancer was the best thing that ever happened to them; that they don’t have time to sweat the small stuff anymore; that they now cherish every moment. How sad they had to learn these lessons from breast cancer. How wonderful that they share them with us. Enjoy and appreciate today.
Sincerely,
Heather Hibshman
Executive Director
